Looking to find a UK online amateur radio training course, or to book an exam? We have a list of online and in-person places to train for your amateur radio licence and to take your exam:
Courses and Exams (7)
Obviously we’re a little biased here! We run the Essex Ham Foundation Online course, which has now had over 11,000 candidates take part. Our free course usually runs every 2 weeks, and we have a pass rate of close to 99%. There are no live sessions and no webcam needed – study at your own pace.
Foundation material is delivered in an online classroom and uses fully-narrated videos, quizzes, mock tests, handouts and more. You can chat online with a tutor and other students on the course, and we have Facebook and Discord support groups. There’s also a fast track for those in a rush. Our next course start dates are:
If you’d prefer a different online option, there are alternatives:
- Online Amateur Radio Community (OARC) – A 2-week interactive online course with live Zoom lessons – usually running twice a year
- “Gettin Tae Grips” (Billy GM6DX) – Sign up for 58 lessons, including quizzes and links to Youtube videos
- Harwell ARS (Club)– Occasional 2-day weekend courses over Zoom
Other Resources:
- Cornish Radio Amateurs YouTube – Videos covering Foundation course material
- Cambridge & District ARC – Downloadable slides for Foundation
- Chelmsford ARS – Downloadable slides for Foundation.
- RS Harrow – Foundation material on YouTube
- Hilderstone Radio Society’s Foundation Licence Manual for Youngsters (PDF)
We also recommend the RSGB Foundation Manual to support your remote studying – Paper version or Kindle Version
Handy links: Back to Courses & Exams | Suggest/correct an entry
Links to help you find a local training group and a venue to sit your Foundation exam locally:
- Amateur Radio Foundation Courses & Exams – A list of the clubs who’ve told us they’re running training
- RSGB Club Finder – RSGB’s list of all of the UK clubs – most don’t offer training, but your local club may be able to point you in the right direction
- HamHub UK Regional – Take a look at the HamHub Forum for your area, and ask for locals to help
- RSGB Regional Teams – Contact your local RSGB rep to see if they can help
We also recommend the RSGB Foundation Manual to support your studying – Paper version or Kindle Version
Handy links: Back to Courses & Exams | Suggest/correct an entry
If you’re looking to study for your Intermediate licence, here are three well-established online courses that we’re happy to recommend:
- Online Amateur Radio Community (OARC) – 6-to-8 week interactive online course with live Zoom lessons – usually running twice a year
- “Gettin Tae Grips” (GM6DX) – This is an on-demand course… sign up and get started
- Bath Distance Learning – Respected course with several tutors offering support and tuition. Runs over several months, typically once a year
Other Resources:
- Cornish Radio Amateurs YouTube – Videos covering Intermediate course material
- Cambridge & District ARC – Downloadable slides for Intermediate.
- Chelmsford ARS – Downloadable slides for Intermediate. (Not yet updated for Sep-19 syllabus)
- RS Harrow – Intermediate material on YouTube
We also recommend the RSGB intermediate Manual to support your remote studying – This is available as a Paper version or Kindle version
Handy links: Back to Courses & Exams | Suggest/correct an entry
Here’s how to find an in-person Intermediate course, or to find a venue to take your Intermediate exam:
- Amateur Radio Intermediate Courses & Exams – A list of the clubs who’ve told us they’re running training
- RSGB Club Finder – RSGB’s list of all of the UK clubs – most don’t offer training, but your local club may be able to point you in the right direction
- HamHub UK Regional – Take a look at the HamHub Forum for your area, and ask for locals to help
- RSGB Regional Teams – Contact your local RSGB rep to see if they can help
If you don’t have any luck – try an online course.
We also recommend the RSGB intermediate Manual to support your remote studying – This is available as a Paper version or Kindle version
Handy links: Back to Courses & Exams | Suggest/correct an entry
If you’re looking to study for your Full UK amateur radio licence, there are two well-established online courses that we’re happy to recommend:
- Bath Distance Learning – Respected course with several tutors offering support and tuition. Course runs over several months, typically annually August to December
- Online Amateur Radio Community (OARC) – An 8-week interactive online course with live Zoom lessons – usually running twice a year
Also worth considering:
- Cornish Radio Amateurs YouTube – Videos covering Full course material
Strangford High Frequency Enthusiasts Group – Course delivered over 14 weeks, twice a year. Course uses Zoom, email, and phone. Contact [email protected] for details (no website)
We also recommend the RSGB Full Manual to support your remote studying.
Handy links: Back to Courses & Exams | Suggest/correct an entry
If you’re looking to study for your Full UK amateur radio licence in person, or take your Full exam at an exam centre, here are some handy links:
- Amateur Radio Full Courses & Exams – A list of the clubs who’ve told us they’re running training
- RSGB Club Finder – RSGB’s list of all of the UK clubs – most don’t offer training, but your local club may be able to point you in the right direction
- HamHub UK Regional – Take a look at the HamHub Forum for your area, and ask for locals to help
- RSGB Regional Teams – Contact your local RSGB rep to see if they can help
If you don’t have any luck – try an online course.
We also recommend the RSGB Full Manual to support your remote studying.
Handy links: Back to Courses & Exams | Suggest/correct an entry
You don’t have to go to a physical location to book your exam – you can take your exam online at home. All you need is a compatible Windows or Mac OS computer, a webcam and a soundcard. Here are the two links you need:
- Find out about taking your exam online
- Book an online exam (RSGB website)
Shortlink to this page: sxham.uk/courses